Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lubbock

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lubbock, Texas?

  You may contact the Lubbock Police Department at 806-775-2865 for non-emergencies.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lubbock, Texas?

  For information on obtaining police reports in Lubbock, call the front desk of the headquarters at 806-775-2816 or visit the station at 916 Texas Avenue. Crash reports can be obtained at https://policereports.lexisnexis.com/, while incident reports can be obtained at https://ci.lubbock.tx.us/pages/public-information-act.

• Would you still need a lawyer if the insurance company already made a settlement offer for a personal injury claim in Lubbock?

  Lubbock insurance companies are always looking for ways to bring down the value of your claim. If you receive a settlement offer, it may be in your best interest to consult with a lawyer before agreeing. Depending on the personal injury case, the insurance company could be making a lowball offer. If you accept it, you could be receiving less compensation than what you truly deserve for your injuries.

• Can the city of Lubbock be the defendant in a personal injury claim?

  Yes. You can file a personal injury claim against the city of Lubbock by initially sending a notice of claim online via the city's website within six months after the incident. The claim can be against the city government for improperly maintaining a public facility that resulted in an injury-causing accident or a city-owned vehicle involved in a road accident. To check the status of your claim, email RiskManagement@MyLubbock.us or contact 806-775-2341.

• What are the signs of a bad-faith insurance practice in Lubbock?

  When the insurance company in Lubbock denies your claim for dubious reasons, it could be a sign of bad faith practice. It may also be a sign if an insurer delays your claim or payment processing. Another way an insurer could engage in bad faith is if it offers low settlements. If you notice any of these signs from your insurer, you may consult an insurance lawyer to check your legal options.

• How should you communicate with the insurance company about your Lubbock personal injury claim?

  Communicating and talking to the insurance company without first consulting with a lawyer is not recommended. Only provide the basic details when informing your insurance company about your accident. If the insurance company asks for a recorded conversation, do not agree. When the insurance adjuster asks you to sign something, have the paperwork checked by a lawyer.

• How much do personal injury lawyers in Lubbock charge their clients?

  Most personal injury lawyers in Lubbock offer contingency fee arrangements wherein clients do not pay anything upfront until they get a settlement or judgment award. They usually seek a percentage of what their clients receive, which may be around 30% - 40% of the total amount. In many cases, a lawyer will charge about 30% if the case settles before trial and 40% if it goes to trial.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.